Holographic Universe

Angel Marcloids work as Nonlocal Forecast explores some of the less extreme sounds she incorporates into her frenetic, genre-obliterating work as Fire-Toolz. In particular, she channels the smooth, relaxing jazz regularly heard on the Weather Channel when she was growing up, but with an energy and complexity closer to prog bands like Rush. Growling black metal vocals are entirely absent, and the most overt metal elements are the occasional power ballad-like guitar solos, as well as some of the intricate drum sequences. Second Nonlocal Forecast album Holographic Universe(s?)! is one of Marcloids more inviting efforts, with its unpredictable bursts of energy coming closer to joy than catharsis most of the time. Some moments would fit almost perfectly on a Windham Hill release, such as the clean, atmospheric guitars of The Bubbling Up of Duality on an Autumn Night by a Forest Stream, at least before the lighter-worthy shredding comes in. Interactions Between Brains & the Foam of Potentiality is one of the albums ambitious highlights, beginning with knotty time signatures and uplifting melodies, adding some more shimmering acoustic guitar, and then pausing halfway to relaunch with a drifting sax solo, surprisingly played by avant improv veteran Bhob Rainey. Space-Time = Infinity-Eternity Objectified also features dreamy saxophone, swaying in the mist to more vaporous textures and a slower, steadier beat pattern. My Incomplete T.O.E., co-credited to Fire-Toolz, is a brief, buoyant techno track sprinkled with samples about vibrations of consciousness and joined by another ripping guitar solo. Delving deep into quantum theory and physics, Marcloid creates a hyper-scientific form of new age music that stimulates as well as soothes. ~ Paul Simpson